Thirsty Ear
2003
The Ugly American
About This Album
Call Eitzel many things, but predictable is not one of them! I mean, really, going to Athens, Greece, and re-recording his old American Music Club songs in Greek style with local musicians? What's up with that? After making a well-received but actually disappointing excursion into electronic pop, then recording a whimsical, fun but unessential covers LP, you see this latest one-off project product in the bin, and think, "Man, is he foundering!" Or, "Next!"

That is until you hear one of the biggest surprises of the year. Far from pointless, or even inconsequential, these sparkling, merely Greek-flavored versions recast Eitzel's entire career, especially his early, late-1980s songs, in a new, fresh and poignant light. Respected Greek composer and producer Manolis Famellos turns out to have had an inspired idea, assembling fine players who see beautiful possibilities in songs that had a rougher, spookier, disquieting edge when they first appeared 15 years ago. Harp-like mandolins, violins, violas, light guitars, double bass, and yes, bouzouki and tzouras positively dance as if to charm snakes in these lush treatments. Even Eitzel's recent, forlorn solo material, like Invisible Man's "Anything" and the rare demos LP Lovers Leap USA's "What Good is Love" gain new wings in this tapestry of sweetness.
Track List (try tracks 1,2,3,4,6,7 and 8)

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